Republican gubernatorial candidate Ken Block criticizes Obamacare

PROVIDENCE — As the enrollment deadline arrived Monday for what is often called Obamacare, Republican gubernatorial candidate Ken Block termed the new federal program “a horrible bill, ill-conceived, unilaterally passed by one party, and terribly imp

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By
Tom Mooney
Posted Mar. 31, 2014 @ 3:19 pm

PROVIDENCE — As the enrollment deadline arrived Monday for what is often called Obamacare, Republican gubernatorial candidate Ken Block termed the new federal program “a horrible bill, ill-conceived, unilaterally passed by one party, and terribly implemented.”

While the federal government funded Rhode Island’s startup costs for its insurance exchange, HealthSource RI, Block said the program will leave the state a $24 million annual bill to keep it running each year.

“On the last day before Rhode Islanders are subject to new taxes under Obamacare’s individual mandate, it is more evident than ever that Rhode Island cannot afford Obamacare and HealthSource RI, the Obamacare exchange forced on us by Governor Chafee by executive order,” said Block in a statement.

If elected governor, Block said he would consider less-costly options, including entering the federal insurance exchange or partnering with neighboring states to form a regional, less-costly exchange site.